Identification and Background

The first iPad model was announced in January 2010 and was released April 3 of the same year. The device resembled a large iPod Touch, sporting a 9.7" LED-backlit display with multi-touch capabilities. Like the iPhone and iPod Touch that came before it, the iPad ran on Apple's iOS mobile operating system. While the launch model could only connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, a 3G-enabled model hit store shelves soon after.

Several iPad models have been released since the original tablet. If you're not sure which version you have, check out our handy ID Your iPad tool and select the guides and parts that are compatible with your machine.